Biker patches are used to distinguish motorcycle clubs from one another. While its primary purpose is to denote affiliation, the design can be used to express belief, achievement, or certain actions the rider has taken.
The one, two and three piece patch
The one-piece patch usually refers to motorcycle associations; the two-piece often means that the rider belongs to a club (this convention is followed by most motorcycle clubs). Outlaw motorcycle clubs use the three-piece patch.
Outlaw clubs are not recognized by the American Motorcycle Association (AMA). Patch design will vary by club. However, the top and bottom shapes are almost always crescent-shaped. They are called rockers. However, it must be emphasized that the three-piece biker patch is also worn by some non-outlaw bikers.
Common Patch Designs
The 1% patch is worn by outlaw cyclists as a reference to the AMA’s claims that only 1% of American cyclists disobey the law. An ace of spades patch serves to warn that the biker will fight for what he believes to the death; a flag patch may indicate the rider’s place of birth or lineage.
There are also patches denoting the biker’s position in the club. There are specific patches for president, vice president, secretary, sergeant-at-arms, etc.
Other types of patches
Many patches come with wings, but the meaning varies. The wings and colors can mean many things, but most of the time it can refer to sexual acts or crimes committed by the biker.
The FF patch stands for ‘club name forever, forever’. There are several versions of this patch. Hells Angels, for example, wear the AFFA patch The 9er means the rider has Indian blood.
patch number 13
This patch has several possible meanings. Almost always, 13 represents M, the thirteenth letter of the alphabet. But the meaning of M depends on the clubs. Some say it means marijuana, some say it means motorcycle, while others say it is methamphetamine. However, many clubs have hidden meanings for the letter M, known only to their members.
Meaning of other patches
Men of Mayhem patches are given to a biker who has killed in the name of the club. Rally badges (or pins) are given out to those who attend bike rallies. The rally can be for various reasons, but most are for charity.
The skull and crossbones signify that the motorcyclist got into a fight and probably killed someone. The skull and bones may also refer to other crimes committed in the name of the club.
Some bikers also use the swastika and Nazi symbols. This does not necessarily imply that the biker is a Nazi. Rather it is used to invoke outrage among authorities and citizens. Outlaw bikers also use the patches to ridicule people who are not in their club.
As the information above makes clear, biker patches can mean different things. Although the types vary, they all symbolize something of the biker and the club, whether they are outlaws or law-abiding citizens.
